As a Funeral Celebrant I work with families during one of their saddest times when most are feeling vulnerable, insecure, and quite bewildered. Families seek direction, advice, and guidance from me. Whilst I offer support, experience, advice and encouragement, part of my guidance also assists them as they work through their grief. Trust is a big factor, as is feeling comfortable and relaxed with your Celebrant. I have a friendly and warming demeanor, this has proven to be so important.

Celebrant officiated funeral services are growing in New Zealand with so many families wanting flexibility as to venue, and a direction to a more personalized service based about the person and their life. A funeral service can be held in a church, community hall, sports venue or clubrooms, outdoors as in a garden or as a graveside service at the cemetery, at a crematorium, even at your home. This of course depends on the expected attendance, facilities available at homes and venues, venue availability, the current season and the expected weather.

The purpose of a funeral service is to say goodbye to your loved one; to provide a focus for your grief; to enable family and friends to share grief and to express their grief; to celebrate and give thanks for the life of the person who has died, and to affirm our hope and faith. Accuracy and attention to detail are so essential. There is no rehearsal for a funeral service, they are unique and a one-off event. What happens on the day is it and there can be no regret. As a professional Funeral Celebrant I can assist you in immeasurable ways.

ASSOCIATED SERVICES
Families often wish to have associated services. Ashes interments and unveilings of memorials are held at a time when families are more able to cope with their grief. Generally these services are held on an anniversary of the death, a date of significance or when family choose to unite together. These services are very healing for family and friends and assist all to move towards an element of closure.

PREPLAN YOUR FUNERAL
This option is also one with growth. This is an option available for you to preplan your own service with me. Together we will preplan the areas of importance to you. It is that personal touch, by you, for you. Often people who are terminally ill or elderly, find solace in preplanning aspects of their service, and they feel a sence of peace on this acomplishment. It is making your mark, expressing your wishes. Quite often this is when your life story would be compiled after all it is your story so why not tell it through me.

FUNERALS
The first statement I hear from all my clients:-
"I don’t even know where to begin?"

In a time of grief, engage the assistance of people who work within the industry for advice and guidance, a Celebrant or Funeral Director. We will guide you, and assist you through the process.

""Death is not a thing in itself, but a stage in the journey of life, through which all must pass.
It may come swiftly and catch us unaware, or slowly over a period of time.
But death comes to all who live, and in so doing
heightens our understanding "